Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Phenolic Extract Modulates Lymphocyte Subsets and Humoral Immune Response in Mice

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) phenolic extract on lymphocyte subsets in the lymphoid organs in nonimmunized mice and on humoral immune response in sheep red blood cell-immunized mice. Hawthorn phenolic extract (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) was administered orally five or ten times. Sheep red blood cells were injected 24 h after administration of the last extract dose. The lymphocyte subsets were assessed 24 and 72 h after the last dose. Humoral immune response was determined 4 and 7 days after immunization. Five doses of the extract decreased the percentage of CD4−CD8− and CD4+ thymocytes but elevated the percentage of CD4+CD8+ and CD8+ thymic cells. The extract increased the total number, percentage, and absolute count of T and B splenocytes. When administered five times, it lowered the percentage of T lymphocytes, but boosted the population of B lymphocytes of mesenteric lymph nodes (after 24 h). However, a rise in the population of T lymphocytes was observed 72 h after five and ten doses. The extract administered ten times elevated the number of plaque-forming cells and total anti-sheep red blood cell hemagglutinin titer but reduced the 2-ME-resistant antibody titer (day 7). At the same time, five doses of the extract increased antibody titers. Considering its impact on lymphocyte subsets and humoral immune response, hawthorn extract may be used as an immunomodulator.

Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Hawthorn

“…The active ingredients in hawthorn are the basis for the wide range of health benefits it exerts ( Table 4 ). For example, polyphenolic compounds are good antioxidants [ 12 ] and immunomodulators [ 75 ], flavonoids have anti-inflammatory [ 76 ] and anti-atherogenic activity [ 77 ], lignans have antibacterial [ 78 ] and antioxidant activity [ 39 ], while triterpenoidshave anticancer [ 79 ], anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities [ 41 ]. It is therefore essential to advocate the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of hawthorn in new food products to improve and maintain the nutritional and health indices of the population.…”

“…This is mainly due to the fact that epicatechin and proanthocyanidins B2 and B4 in hawthorn promote the proliferation of splenocytes, significantly increase the percentage of B cells, decrease the percentage of Th cells and stimulate the humoral immune response. And the effect is more pronounced at high doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) of the extract [ 75 ].…”

In Vitro Immuno-Modulatory Potentials of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Polysaccharides with a Chemical Selenylation

“…These bioactive components in hawthorn, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, were revealed to have physiological functions in the cardiovascular, digestive, and endocrine systems [ 47 ]. It was also found that hawthorn polyphenols could reduce the risks of diabetes [ 48 ], or display an immuno-modulatory effect on the lymphocytes [ 49 ]. In this study, the purslane polysaccharides and two selenylated products were clarified with a clear immune modulation on the two model cells.…”

Botanical, Phytochemical, Anti-Microbial and Pharmaceutical Characteristics of Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.), Rosaceae

“…A combined blend of leaves, berries and flowers was traditionally administered as an astringent, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, diuretic, hypotensive and anti-atherosclerotic agent. Various extracts of C. monogyna were evaluated for screening in vitro/in vivo models [ 32 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 ].…”